Getting Ready to Attend the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards

There really aren’t that many occasions in Ottawa where there is a sea of tuxedos and ladies in gowns. Although this weekend I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards with 10 others, and was it ever a classy affair.

The GG’s Performing Arts Awards recognizes artists and volunteers for their outstanding lifetime contribution to Canada’s cultural life. The evening started with many a clinking glass at the National Art Centre, where honourees were welcomed on the red carpet by foot gards. Attendees like myself had the time to nibble on sushi, snack on great little bites, and people watch for Canadian notables and Ottawa’s well heeled.

Before attending the event, I was so lucky to have a chance to pick up some pieces to sport for the evening from Magpie. I have a good collection of costume jewellery, a lot of it stemming from impulse Forever 21 purchases, and other “fast fashion” and contemporary brands. Other then a few choice antique pieces, inherited jewelry from loved ones, and finer pieces gifted for occasions- most of what’s in my jewellery box wouldn’t be considered “timeless”, maybe just trendy. Although, over the past year I’ve tried to invest in costume jewellery that I know that I can wear for years to come- and Magpie has been my resource for that in Ottawa

I chose four pieces from the Alexis Bittar counter at their Rideau Centre location. If you’re unfamiliar with Alexis Bittar, he’s known for his signature lucite bangles. His collection boasts earrings, rings, bracelets, pins and necklaces- all of which have a perfect marriage between delicate details and a little bit of fierceness.

Here are all my “accoutrements” for the evening in one shot! Sarah, the manager at Magpie that helped me pick out these pieces, said it’s important to not be so “matchy-matchy” when styling an evening jewellery look. What we chose all had elements of gold, but also tied in the black from my dress and greys which come out in the stud of the drop earrings, lucite ring and bangle, and also the stone on the gold bracelet.

My outfit for the evening- this one shouldered number by Designers Remix from Schad. Also, kudos to Fernando Cellini who threw my hair into this chignon after a VERY last minute decision to opt out of leaving my hair down. It was just too HUMID.

Almost all of us slammed into the elevator enroute to the awards!

View from our seats at the National Art Centre.

Mark & Joelle at our seats.

And then I had my moment. If you’re not listening Jian Ghomeshi’s show Q you’re missing out on your dose of Canadian culture or just culture in general. I was a complete “fan girl” at the awards and got up the courage to be a total dork and introduce myself to Jian. Of course I had to take a picture 🙂

Overall it was such a magical evening here in Ottawa, one to be cherished for sure. If you’re interested in going next year, the awards are open to the public, but tickets aren’t always easy to come by. If you don’t already know about the NAC’s Southam Club, this is how our handsomely clad group managed to get our seats. The Southam Club gives you unique access to events at the NAC and also a chance at grabbing the best seats- sometimes ahead of their public on-sale date.

Our parting gift wasn’t just a huge smile, but this lovely picture from the Hello Canada photo booth. This is myself & Joelle doing our best “red carpet” pose!